In the midst of so many wars between nations, the proliferation of terrorist activities, widespread violation of human rights, the increasing activities of organized crimes, and the growing greed for power and material things, one could easily think that evil has somehow started to triumph over evil. The signs point to man losing his concept of selflessness and genuine care for his fellow man.

This has all changed for me after my near death experience (NDE) exactly two months ago last Friday. What happened after my MI attack was all proof of the intrinsic goodness of man. Wherever and whenever he can, man's instinct is still to help someone in need. I'm referring to the many Good Samaritans whom I did not even pass along the way but who offered to help. Many of them I did not have the pleasure of previously knowing or meeting. But they were there saying a prayer for me because a relative or friend who happens to be my friend asked him to do so.

The cell phone has, indeed, become the best means of communication today. It did not take some time for news to spread that I was fighting for life in the hospital. In no time, text messages wee urgently sent in the middle of the night asking the receiver to pray for me. This I only knew the day after because of the inquiries into he state of my health and messages praising and thanking God upon knowing that the “Summoner” has skipped me. More of this pouring of prayers and messages of concern and assurances were received when I had the PTCA the week after my NDE. Besides the affirmation of the intrinsic goodness of man, my experience has made it clear to me the varying degree of selflessness in every man.

When news got out that I need to undergo PTCA to stay in circulation, everyone I knew spared no time to ask God for his healing power on me. Some even dipped into their pockets to take out what may have been intended for the day's meals of the family. For this I thank my official family at the capitol for their initiatives to help this poor comrade whose only claim greatness is his honest and sincere service to the people.

If I have my heart beating up to this moment after seven minutes of stoppage, it is mostly because one Good Samaritan stood up to offer to get the surgeon get paid. Without him I would still be in the state of waiting and praying that the second, and perhaps the last attack, would never come.

But even if he is not a man of means, I know he would still offer his hand and his wallet to get a friend off the hook for he is such an outstanding person. No matter what I do now I know I will never be able to repay him. One thing I can assure him, however, and all those who offered help, is that the rest of my extended life will be spent for the ideals that he has and they have always lived and espoused. It is with regret that I'm still not in the position to reveal his name. But whether I will or not, my family and I are forever indebted to this wonderful man. May your tribe increase, Sir.